It starts with diapers. And tiny feet, wrapped in tiny socks that won't stay on. The soft, downy head cupped gently in your hand...smelling of baby shampoo and newness. Hands that seem to belong on a doll clutching your finger so tightly you wonder where that strength comes from.
Then, you wake up one morning, roll over bleary-eyed, look at the alarm clock and blink back shock that it's not 4am and your little one actually made it past 7am. What seems like a week later, sunlight streams into your room, and when you check the time it's past 8...you smell toast...hear the happy chatter of kids discussing the best plan of attack to squeeze every bit of joy from their Saturday. You sit up, shake the sleepies from your head and reflect back to the time of diapers and tiny feet wrapped in socks.
Time in the nest is skewed. At times you want to rush the daily routine that has you feeling exhausted...but when it slips by it's hard not to miss. The nest is warm, safe and home. But like all young, the call of freedom rings loudly over the treetops. The pull of stepping out of the nest is normal, and trying to explain to the little ones that the timing has to be just right to encourage them onto that first branch. Family traditions will have to evolve to allow for some first flights. But right now I can't let go. My Peach, Pickle and Coconut belong snuggled in the nest, under the wing of a watchful Mom and Dad. One step at a time.
The moment, I know, is around the corner. The moment when they look back with a smile and step off the branch - wings spread wide, confident and prepared. Until then I will try and cherish each moment and each day.
I can't believe it but...I miss diapers!
Happy cherishing,
Kathy Pettit
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